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Nigeria has secured a landmark agreement to drastically cut the cost of a revolutionary HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, paving the way for millions of citizens to access the life-saving medicine and accelerating efforts to end HIV as a public health threat. The agreement, according to the Director General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori, represents a major step toward protecting vulnerable populations and advancing equity in healthcare delivery. Dr. Ilori stressed that the agreement underscores Nigeria’s leadership role at the UNGA in shaping global health solutions, while reaffirming its determination to expand access to prevention, strengthen health systems, and accelerate progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030. The agreement will see to the reduction of the price of the twice-yearly injection from 28,000 to just $40 per person per year. READ ALSO; FG provides clarification on $220 million fine imposed on Meta for data breaches Lenacapavir has been shown to be up to 100 per cent effective in preventing new HIV infections. The deal that was announced on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting, enabled Nigeria, through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), joined other global leaders in endorsing the breakthrough arrangement, which will extend affordable access to over 100 low- and middle-income countries. Delivering Nigeria’s statement at the event, Dr. Ilori, described the development as historic, saying, “Today marks a milestone in our fight against HIV in Nigeria and globally. “Through this landmark access agreement, we are unlocking affordable access to lenacapavir, a transformational new HIV prevention option that offers longer protection, greater convenience, and renewed hope to millions at risk. “This agreement ensures that this breakthrough innovation does not remain a privilege for the few. It pairs innovation with equity, laying the foundation for broad, long-lasting impact for those who need it most”. Nigeria bears the second-largest HIV epidemic in the world, with an estimated 1.8 million people living with the virus. Although prevalence has dropped from around 3 percent in 2012 to 1.3 percent today, the country still records thousands of new infections annually, particularly among young women, adolescents, and key populations. Experts say access to long-acting prevention tools like lenacapavir could significantly reduce the infection rate and sustain progress toward the global 95-95-95 targets. The federal government has also been strengthening prevention strategies through awareness campaigns, condom distribution, expanded HIV testing, and integration of services into primary healthcare centres. Programmes such as prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) have helped cut transmission rates at birth, while youth-focused initiatives continue to target new infections in high-risk groups. The milestone price reduction was achieved through collaboration with UNITAID, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Wits RHI, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (DRL), and the Gates Foundation. Nigeria’s participation at the global forum, according to public health experts, highlights the country’s resolve to harness innovation, deepen global partnerships, and secure a healthier and more resilient future for its people.
